Grizzlies suffer first loss of season in New York

A slow start doomed the Grizzlies in their second game of the season Saturday night as they fell to the Knicks, 111-104 in New York.

For the second game in a row, the Grizzlies’ opponent jumped out to a huge first quarter lead. They would eventually make it close, but unlike Wednesday night, they couldn’t pull out a win.

Memphis shot for a lower percentage than Wednesday against Minnesota, but the results weren’t too poor. Newly-extended Jarell Martin shot 5-for-9 from the field, including hitting both of his 3-point shots. Martin, playing his first game of the season, scored 13 off the bench in just 13 minutes.

Marc Gasol led Memphis in scoring with 20, but shot a porous 5-for-15 from the field as Knicks center Joakim Noah was out to prove he was back to his old self.

Zach Randolph again thrived in his bench roll, notching 13 points and 9 rebounds in just 21 minutes. He heaved the ball and shot just 5-of-14, but was busy on the glass and proved his value.

Mike Conley was less active on offense, scoring just 11 points to go with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The point guard pulled up for just 9 shots, making 4.

Defensively, the Grizz struggled to contain the Knicks’ power duo of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. The two combined for 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Memphis will try to get off to a better start when they play Sunday night in Washington against the Wizards.